2025-2026 Course Catalog
Photography, AAS
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Programs Available 2025-2026
The Photography AAS program is designed to prepare students for employment as commercial photographers. Students gain basic and advanced knowledge in digital photography, commercial photography, portrait photography, and photojournalism along with advanced editing processes. Students gain a broad understanding of traditional techniques while developing your own personal style. Current industry-standard software and techniques are utilized. Students also learn to communicate with customers and consider social and environmental issues in the context of their work.
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Students may start any semester
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Photography AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students are required to produce a portfolio of photography work that demonstrates their ability to conceptualize and produce a variety of creative and effective photography. Option 1- Select 3 Credits
Option 2- Select 3 Credits
Total Credits Required to Complete this Degree - 64
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$201.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | | Books (approx) | 200 | 150 | 250 | 250 | 275 | | Supplies | 150 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | | Equipment | 400 | 200 | 150 | 150 | 150 | | Camera, lenses | 550-1500 |
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| | Portfolio |
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| 300 | 300 |
Approximate total for the program: $17,129-$18,089**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Produce creative images under pressure.
- Produce images using traditional techniques.
- Produce images using electronic techniques.
- Produce images for magazines, advertising, weddings, social media, and posters.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Use current Lightroom & Photoshop software to produce finished images.
- Be able to take a project from start to finish.
- Work with a diverse group of people.
- Make necessary changes to bring work up to industry standards.
What Else Should I Consider about this Degree?
- Be able to work on more than one project at a time.
- Require hours at work and home to complete projects.
- Produce accurate work with original ideas.
- Will need to update tools as technology changes.
- Average starting salary: $55,396.00
- Other sources for employment and salaries would be the following employers: JCPenney, LifeTouch, Mittera, Grey Dog Media, Meredith Corp, Nordstrom Studio, August Homes Publishing, HyVee, John Deere, Iowa State University, Iowa University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake, Grinnell University.
Program Competencies
- Describe camera equipment and accessories used for commercial photography assignments
- Describe various qualities of light and be able to recognize, produce, and control various lighting conditions including: diffused, direct, direct diffused and back light
- Identify different flash units used in the studio for commercial lighting
- Integrate the multi-step process of “workflow” while working commercial photography assignments
- Demonstrate the appropriate use of the camera controls on a digital camera
- Identify memory devices and file types associated with digital cameras
- Demonstrate the principles of art, design and composition
- Demonstrate understanding of digital image resolution
- Analyze digital images in both a printed and/or electronic format
- Demonstrate On-Location Lighting
- Demonstrate how to prepare a computer to correctly display digital images
- Demonstrate effective communication with customers
- Incorporate social and environmental issues in the context of work
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov. DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024) |
Return to: Programs Available 2025-2026
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